Consistently, I am overwhelmed at the privilege to serve on the staff at GCC. Yesterday morning, my thoughts went to the fear of being prideful. I prayed for humility. I'm certain God laughed.
We launched our spring/summer Turning Point session last night; 60 people attended for 8 full tables. Turning Point All Stars had 30 kids show up. Turning Point 2 had 8 groups returning. Financial Peace University continued strong into their last 4 weeks.
- As I sent the Turning Point tables into their first round of discussion questions, one table let me know that I had failed to place a facilitator at their table. We had two tables with co-facilitators, so I disrupted 3 tables in order to find the right person to move mid-conversation. Awkward.
- One of our foundations for a safe experience: no unsolicited advice given to others. As I closed the topic, I rambled, "If you really can't keep yourself from running everyone else's life, well, I guess you'll just go ahead and be rude." Fine display of compassion!
- During their final discussion time, I left the room. When I returned, the room was completely dark. "I'm so sorry! How long has it been dark in here? [As I frantically propped doors open] Hey - we know how to provide a safe experience!"[Silence. Bad joke.] I later found that it was the 2nd time it had happened! Raised shades after the media would have solved the problem.
- I assigned the Turning Point team to a specific conference room for their post session team meeting. It was the same space that I had previously assigned to the Financial Peace Team for the past nine weeks! I discovered my miss long after the two teams had the awkward space collision. Real nice.
In all things, God is faithful - it was a great evening!
You are so funny. Excellent display of humility! I love this post because you are generally so composed and well spoken, and this is evidence that you are human like the rest of us!
Posted by: Sarah Rulli | May 14, 2008 at 09:13 AM
I thought that Turning POint two went great last night!!! I loved co-facilitating with STEPH and I think that our groups already have great chemistry. I am so excited. Last night went great!
Posted by: Miki Ruhl | May 14, 2008 at 01:12 PM
I'm sitting here at my desk at 9:30 p.m. laughing my head off. It's been quite a day, hasn't it?
Praying for humility is about on a par with praying for patience. I try desperately not to ever have to pray for either.
I love your humility, your grace and your humor my friend.
Posted by: Julie Smies | May 14, 2008 at 09:30 PM